The long and curious absence from my blog can be summed up in one word….
BUSY
Well, many words can actually describe my absence. Packing, moving, job change, vacation, graduation. They all equal a complete and total lack of time to blog.
Well, I’m back. Let me catch you up on a few things. I celebrated the graduation of my youngest son a month ago with family in town and a very expensive dinner. We had a blast. The most important thing being that my son enjoyed every moment of it, and is just about six weeks away now from walking onto his new college campus to start classes for the next phase in life. I’ve been getting myself used to not seeing him as much, as I have given him a lot more independence this Summer. He takes the reigns on his own life very soon. Sad, but true.
In the midst of everything, I had a trip to see my Dad in NY, and to run marathon #27. My Dad and I had a blast together. The marathon? Maybe my toughest one to date. I can sum up the race in one word… Well two,….BEASTLY HOT! Seriously, the race was the day before Memorial Day, usually a moderate temperature time of year for upstate New York. Not to be. It was hot and humid my entire four day visit. Topped off with race morning temperatures in the low 70’s, and about 92 degrees by the time I finished. I normally don’t race just to finish, but I race that day with the goal of surviving the heat and living another day. It worked. Get this, the Herald of Victory Marathon was an inaugural race. Never done before, but so attractive to me because it gave me a chance to run a marathon where I grew up. Even though the conditions were excruciating at times (most of the time) I had a smile on my face and a positive attitude from start to finish. I knew I would finish, even in those temperatures. I took it easy from the very beginning, thoughts of not wanting to have nothing left in that kind of heat 20 miles in. I finished. I ran through Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City, Chenango Forks, over bridges, through beautiful parks, past cheering spectators in utter and complete appreciation for every volunteer along the way keeping me hydrated and pumped up and energized.
With a finish time of 4:30:33 (a personal worst), the Herald of a Victory Marathon was a huge victory for me personally. Victorious over another grueling 26.2 mile run. I managed my race very well from start to finish. I owned it! Believe it or not there were only 8 finishers under the 4:00:00 mark. Eight! A race with 113 finishers in 90+ degrees, I finished 24th. My worst time, but a stunning accomplishment on the day. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a runner, fighting conditions, letting my body and mind do the work. I never cramped, I was never overcome by the heat. I did the right things that day and made it to the finish with a smile, my Dad welcoming me over the finish line.
Since that day I’ve only run once. Once in six weeks. I needed a break. Five marathons this year, my muscles and really the rest of my body needed a break. Time to relax and rejuvenate.
I promise I will be better with my blogging, too. Back on the streets today for a run, and back at the blogging game. So, how have you been? Are you enjoying the Summer?
Here are a few pix from my NY trip before I head out on errands today.
Running Wild 